Cher wanted Kennedy honour from Obama

The phone call telling Cher she was a Kennedy Centre honouree was certainly welcome — but she admits she wanted to get it earlier.

The Grammy, Emmy and Oscar winner, whose Abba-tribute album Dancing Queen was just released, acknowledged she’d long hoped for that call. She said she “wanted to get it so badly” during the Obama administration. Now she will, at age 72, during the Donald Trump administration, which might make for an awkward gathering. A regular at anti-Trump rallies and marches, Cher ranks among the most outspoken celebrities against the US president. The White House said no decisions had been made on whether Trump would participate in this year’s programme.

The Kennedy Centre prize is given to those in the performing arts for lifetime contributions to American culture. This year’s other recipients are composer and pianist Philip Glass, country music entertainer Reba McEntire, and jazz saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter.